Donald Trump tells Afghan journalist ‘I can’t understand a word you’re saying’

Donald Trump has sparked mixed reactions over a humorous response to a foreign journalist during a White House press conference.

Donald Trump has sparked mixed reactions over a humorous response to a foreign journalist during a White House press conference, complimenting her accent but dismissing her question because “I can’t understand a word you’re saying”.

The US President was taking questions alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday when the Afghan journalist was given the microphone.

“I’m from Afghanistan,” she said.

“Afghan suffrage woman has high expectation from you. Do you have any plan to change the Afghanistan situation? Are you able to recognise Taliban because I’m an Afghan journalist, Afghan suffrage woman. Any comment about Afghanistan? What’s your future plan for Afghan people, especially Afghan—?

Mr Trump interrupted, “I have a little hard time understanding you. Where are you from?”

“From Afghanistan,” she repeated.

“Actually, it’s a beautiful voice and a beautiful accent,” Mr Trump said. “The only problem is I can’t understand a word you’re saying. But I just say this — good luck. Live in peace.”

Clips of the exchange went viral on X with millions of views.

Donald Trump was asked a question by an Afghan journalist. Picture: Supplied

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“Holy s**t this is hilarious LOL,” wrote Daily Wire journalist Ryan Saavedra.

“DYING,” wrote Mollie Hemingway, editor-in-chief of The Federalist.

“Maybe the funniest Trump quote of all time. Instant classic,” said Daily Wire host Matt Walsh.

“She had about five questions she wanted to ask at once, and they all blended together,” one user commented.

“This is me at a Zoom meeting at work,” another joked.

But Mr Trump’s dismissal of the journalist also drew criticism online.

“Commenting on someone’s accent is impolite,” wrote Pakistani journalist Ammara Ahmad.

“This is the craziest press conference I’ve ever witnessed, and that says a lot,” lawyer Aaron Parnas said.

“It’s a fine line between being honest and being tactless,” one user said.

Mr Trump took questions with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Picture: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP

Another added, “The journalist was communicating something important about the condition of women (and girls) in Afghanistan — which is absolutely horrific! If international help is going to be based on urgency and merited need — Afghan women and girls really need it.”

Earlier in the joint press conference Mr Trump caused a stir by announcing the US would “take over the Gaza Strip”.

The two leaders met at the White House on Wednesday to discuss the second phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

“We’ll own it and be responsible for dismantling all of the dangerous unexploded bombs and other weapons on the site,” Mr Trump said.

“Level the site, and get rid of the destroyed buildings, level it out, create an economic development that will supply unlimited numbers of jobs and housing for the people of the area, do a real job, do something different.”

When questioned if he was willing to send US troops to secure Gaza, Mr Trump said, “As far as Gaza is concerned, we’ll do what is necessary. If it’s necessary, we’ll do that. We’re going to take over that piece that we’re going to develop it.”

Mr Trump has repeatedly suggested Palestinians should be permanently relocated from Gaza.

Mr Netanyahu said that in order to “secure our future and bring peace to our region, we have to finish the job”.

The two leaders discussed plans for Middle East security. Picture: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP

“In Gaza, Israel has three goals — destroy Hamas’ military and governing capabilities, secure the release of all of our hostages, and ensure that Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel,” he said.

“I believe, Mr President, that your willingness to puncture conventional thinking, thinking that has failed time and time and time again, your willingness to think outside the box with fresh ideas, will help us achieve all these goals. And I’ve seen you do this many times. You cut to the chase. You see things others refuse to see. You say things others refuse to say. And after the jaws drop, people scratch their heads and they say, ‘You know? He’s right.’”

Senators from both sides of US politics slammed the proposal.

“He’s totally lost it,” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy wrote on X.

Republican Senator Josh Hawley said he didn’t “think it’s the best use of United States resources to spend a bunch of money in Gaza” when asked about the proposal, according to The New York Times.

Republican Senator Lindsey Graham described the proposal as both “interesting” and “problematic”.

“We’ll see what our Arab friends say about that,” he told CNN.

“I think most South Carolinians would probably not be excited about sending Americans to take over Gaza. I think that might be problematic. But I’ll keep an open mind.”

— with Brielle Burns

Originally published as Donald Trump tells Afghan journalist ‘I can’t understand a word you’re saying’